Ganzo G710 review

[Aloha]

I picked up this knife after looking at reviews and watching videos on it for some time.  I was skeptical because honestly all I've ever heard was "Chinese knives suck".  It unfortunate that that sentiment is so pervasive as there are many well loved knives coming out of China.  I'll leave that debate with others because quite frankly I dont care where my tools are made as long as they do right by me.

Ok so here is a summary of my time with the 

Ganzo G710 w/ G10 handles.

Here are some specs

   •   440C Stainless Steel Hollow Ground Reverse Tanto Blade
   •   3.58" Blade Length, 4.65" G10 Scallop Textured Handle
   •   8.1" Overall Length, 5.5 oz Weight
   •   Axis Lock, Spine Jimping, Lanyard Hole
   •   Ambidextrous Thumb Studs, Reversible Tip Up Carry Pocket Clip

This is a copy of the Benchmade Rift 950 and while I've not handled the Rift from all accounts this is a very worthy copy.  The "axis" locks are incredibly smooth right out the box.  I can flip this knife open using the locks and it closes easily.  The lock up is solid with no blade play in any direction.  This knife can also be flipped open quick and smooth using the thumb studs as well.  I have never had a Benchmade so I cannot compare "axis" locks but these sure are smooth.   

Upon first handling this knife the grooved G10 scales were very pronounced.  For some hands the texture may be an issue but for me the grip was reassuring.  It has "softened" with use and feels great in my hand.  The G10 on mine is matched to the liners very well with no rough spots whatsoever.  The liners are solid with an open pillar construction which means easy cleaning for me.  There is some jimping on the liner but its a bit recessed.  The G10 is grippy enough so I didnt have any issues.       

The blade is thick compared to most knives I have used; Spyderco, Kershaw, and Emerson.  Mine came with a ripple/wave on the cutting edge.  A few passes on a ceramic rod and not only was it fixed, the whole blade was ridiculously sharp.   

The reverse tanto is a great shape which offers some belly and a very nice tip.  I've cut rubber hose, 1/4 in air hose, plastic bottles, cotton towels, heavy duty zip ties, 550 paracord and a bunch of other material with no issues to report.  The blade has stayed razor sharp with only a few passes on the ceramic rods.  It is hair popping sharp as my arms can attest.

I'm very happy with my purchase of this knife especially at the price point of less than $25 vs $140 for the Rift.  If you are looking for a "beater" knife then I can recommend this one in good faith.  MIne has done right by me in the weeks I've carried it.

[Aloha]

The width is where this knife feels really big but I have large hands so it just makes this knife fit my hand even better. 

[Grathr]

Nice review!
I havent tried any Ganzo knives, but I have one on the way

[Aloha]

Nice review!
I havent tried any Ganzo knives, but I have one on the way

This one really intrigued me with all the very good reviews.  It's came in great shape other than the ripple/wave on the cutting edge.  I used the crap out of it and was not disappointed one bit. 

[jerseydevil]

Nice review!    I've got one as well, and it's a solid knife for sure.  I prefer the G704 a bit more, but that's just personal preference.

[jekostas]

I think I've said something similar before, but China right now is in the same place that Japan was in the late 60s/early 70s from a manufacturing standpoint. 

Chinese companies have gotten to the point where they can make and sell really, really good products cheaply but a lot of people still dismiss them as "trash" without any real proof.

[jerseydevil]

I think I've said something similar before, but China right now is in the same place that Japan was in the late 60s/early 70s from a manufacturing standpoint. 

Chinese companies have gotten to the point where they can make and sell really, really good products cheaply but a lot of people still dismiss them as "trash" without any real proof.

I agree.  I thought that all Chinese-made knives and tools were trash for a long time.  Nowadays though, an Enlan, Ganzo, SRM, Rough Rider, etc are regular carry items for me.  I've not had a single gripe about any of them, all have performed well.    In some cases the quality of these matches or exceeds that of other items from well-known domestic makers that I've handled.......

[Aloha]

I have neve been one to parade around shouting "BUY AMERICAN".  I know that pisses some people off but it's my money and I will spend it where I choose to.  If you do the proper research and read enough reviews then items such as these become known to you and in the end you have a great item at a fair if not great price point. 

This knife has been a great intro into very budget knives and I am not sorry I took the plunge.   

[bmot]

I have neve been one to parade around shouting "BUY AMERICAN".  I know that pisses some people off but it's my money and I will spend it where I choose to.  If you do the proper research and read enough reviews then items such as these become known to you and in the end you have a great item at a fair if not great price point. 

This knife has been a great intro into very budget knives and I am not sorry I took the plunge.

It's even more funny if after shouting that they start telling how great their Vic SAK is

[comis]

I think I've said something similar before, but China right now is in the same place that Japan was in the late 60s/early 70s from a manufacturing standpoint. 

Chinese companies have gotten to the point where they can make and sell really, really good products cheaply but a lot of people still dismiss them as "trash" without any real proof.

I think I've said something similar before, but China right now is in the same place that Japan was in the late 60s/early 70s from a manufacturing standpoint. 

Chinese companies have gotten to the point where they can make and sell really, really good products cheaply but a lot of people still dismiss them as "trash" without any real proof.

I agree.  I thought that all Chinese-made knives and tools were trash for a long time.  Nowadays though, an Enlan, Ganzo, SRM, Rough Rider, etc are regular carry items for me.  I've not had a single gripe about any of them, all have performed well.    In some cases the quality of these matches or exceeds that of other items from well-known domestic makers that I've handled.......

I think what's interesting is even domestic Chinese citizens starting to realize how some of the local products could slowly catch up, and the quality choices at different price range are becoming abundant.  I am confident as competition become stiffer in China, we will see even more variety of inexpensive quality blade coming out from China.  Now, what interest me most is whether we will see more high end product with good execution, and do find this one brand worth looking into:

http://www.carsonlab.com/

The different innovative lock systems and attractive designs, it's probably one of the new Chinese higher-end brands that should worth more recognition.

[ducttapetech]

Wow! Those are some sweet knives.

That's us mobile.

[comis]

Wow! Those are some sweet knives.

That's us mobile.

Yes, and what amazes me most is the intricate locking systems, I won't surprise they could be voted 'knife of the year' just by the lock design itself.  Same old lock, but with new twist.